McClanhan announces bid for re-election to the Missouri House

Representative Rebecca McClanahan was in Kirksville on Thursday to announce her plans to seek re-election in the Second District.

Travis Miles

Representative Rebecca McClanahan appeared at the Adair County Courthouse Thursday afternoon to launch her re-election campaign.

"I'm delighted that you're all here to hear the official announcement," McClanahan (D-Kirksville) told the crowd assembled on the second floor of the courthouse. "Elections matter. It does make a difference who's in these offices."

McClanahan, a former nurse, mentioned health care and restoring Medicaid cuts made by Gov. Matt Blunt as priorities for her during this election.

"One of the central reasons for me to run for office in 2006 was because of the Medicaid cuts," she said. "I think that the first thing we should do is restore these cuts."

According to McClanahan, there is enough money in the state budget to provide health care to all Missourians, if the funding is handled responsibly. She questioned the use of public funds to build stadiums for privately owned teams and tax credits to lure companies to the state.

"We're doing those things, but we don't do the basic things for our citizens," she said.

McClanahan is also against shifting public money to support private schools, and said Missouri needs to improve on its number 47 ranking in higher education funding.
In addition to focusing on legislation, McClanahan listed serving her constituents as one of the things she most enjoys. She related anecdotes about trying to help one man with his prescription drug costs and, on another occasion, helping a mother of two get enough food for her children. Although she is not always able to help, McClanahan said she does enjoy trying, and realizes her current position offers a lot of leverage.

"I've come to appreciate the power of a call from the state representative's office," she said.

She also used Thursday's announcement to warn her supporters about possible tactics from her opponents in the election. McClanahan said she stands by her votes and would be happy to discuss them with anyone.

"But I do take umbrage with people that distort my record and make me appear to stand for something that I do not," she said.

Along with her announcement at the courthouse, McClanahan also made stops in Sullivan and Putnam counties Thursday.